Proficiencies

Control Line proficiencies are awarded according to a pilot’s achievements during the previous two years participation at the CLASA National Championships. The highest achievement during the two years will be recognised. Types of Control Line proficiencies

The purpose of the fixed-wing proficiencies is to ensure a model aircraft pilot’s ability to fly and control a powered model aircraft safely when other members are present and flying. It also ensures that the model pilot had been instructed on his club’s by-laws, safety rules, the SAMAA Manual of Procedures, and that he has an understanding and working knowledge of the equipment and radio installation, and a basic understanding related to model aircraft safety, and aerodynamics

The MGA RC Glider training framework caters for RC glider pilots to achieve a Solo proficiency as verification that a satisfactory level of skill has been achieved, permitting them to fly on their own, and as per SAMAA Insurance requirements. As this assessment of a level of pilot skill is a qualitative measure , it is necessary that an MGA authorised and independent instructor ensures that the pupil has achieved the required level of skill.

Helicopter proficiencies are principally for the checking of equipment and the progressive stages for a helicopter pilot to learn to fly, and at a later stage to improve, advance, and as the pilot’s competence increases, for him to obtain higher merit qualifications.

The ever-increasing popularity of First-Person-View flying, has made it necessary for this form of RC flight to be incorporated into flying at SAMAA-approved flying fields. The FPV proficiencies are intended as “extensions” to existing LOS (Line-of-Sight) proficiencies, and each proficiency level has a corresponding minimum LOS proficiency requirement.

There are two proficiencies for RC Model Skydiving, a Free Fall badge rating, and a Free Fall Instructor. A pilot who qualifies for the FF badge may participate for leisure, fly-ins, competitions, and SAMPE events. A FF Instructor is allowed to participate in SAMAA-registered air shows

The emphasis of the SAMAA Turbine Jet Proficiency is on the safe operation of turbine-powered fixed wing aircraft. Both safe turbine operation and safe flying skills are required to qualify for this proficiency. SAMAA pilots who have successfully completed the qualification test flight for turbine-powered jet model aircraft under the supervision of two experienced turbine pilots, one of whom is a judge or contest director, qualify for this rating.